Free PCR test guidelines for Expo 2020 Dubai – requirements and facilities

If you’re visiting Expo 2020 Dubai, you need to present more than just your ticket. Your entry depends on whether or not you have been vaccinated as well as the age of those tagging along with you. Refer to this guide for a smooth, hassle-free trip to the Expo, and keep a note of where you can get tested for free, if needed.

All ticketholders aged 18 and above must either be vaccinated or have a negative PCR test on hand to gain entry. Read on to find out what the requirements are for each:

• Vaccination: Proof of at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine recognised by the World Health Organisation (WHO) or any Expo 2020 participating country.

OR

• Negative PCR test: Report of a negative PCR test taken within the last 72 hours prior to entry.

While physical documents work just fine, visitors can also activate their Expo 2020 pass on Al Hosn app for a quicker check-in process. This app keeps a comprehensive record of all your PCR tests and vaccinations. You can show your Green status to the staff at the gates and walk right in.

If you don’t have the smartphone application, here is how you can download and sign up on it with your Emirates ID or Unified ID.

Add ‘Expo 2020 Dubai Pass’ on Al Hosn app

Unvaccinated eventgoers (18 and above) can get tested for free of cost at select facilities across the UAE, starting with Expo’s own DHA Expo 2020 Testing Facility.

Only certain ticket types are eligible for a free PCR test: you must be a one-day ticket or a multi-day pass holder (entry into Expo for 30 consecutive days). One-day ticketholders get one free PCR test, while multi-day pass holders get a maximum of three.

At the testing facilities, you need to show the following:

Visitors will receive the test results within four to 10 hours via text message and the Al Hosn app. Because the duration can vary, Expo 2020 organisers advise visitors to take the test a day in advance before their visit.

Expo ticketholders eligible for the free test can pick a listed facility closest to them in any of the seven emirates. While most offer a walk-in service, some require appointments.

DHA Expo 2020 Testing Facility: Located in Expo’s World Parking zone (parking lot K), this facility is a 30-minute walk or a 9-minute drive from the event site. Both walk-in and drive-thru options are available. The centre is open on all days of the week for 24 hours a day.

Other testing centres in Dubai that you can get a free PCR test from:

On site, face masks are mandatory for all visitors. In the event that you’re feeling poorly, ask a volunteer to direct you to the nearest isolation room. This is where staff from Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services will carry out a check-up for any symptoms.